Chester, CA (November 27, 2024) – On the night of Wednesday, November 27, 2024, a hit-and-run incident involving a 2015 Infiniti sedan left a 63-year-old man injured in Chester.
Accident Details: Around 9 p.m., a verbal dispute broke out between the driver of a 2015 Infiniti sedan and a pedestrian near 1st Avenue and Fourth Street. During the altercation, a passenger from the Infiniti reportedly chased the pedestrian on foot. A resident, Pat Graham, stepped into the street to investigate after hearing the commotion. Moments later, the driver of the Infiniti, identified as 25-year-old Adrian Ruelas Jr., allegedly pursued the pedestrian with his vehicle and struck Graham.
Instead of stopping to assist, Ruelas fled the scene along with his passenger. A concerned bystander transported Graham to the hospital, where he was treated for moderate injuries. Authorities later located Ruelas and his vehicle at a nearby residence. CHP determined that alcohol impairment contributed to the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Witnesses are urged to contact the Susanville Communications Center with information about the incident.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that this incident raises several critical legal issues surrounding negligence and liability. First, the passenger’s alleged actions in chasing a pedestrian (and Ruelas pursuing the pedestrian in the car) can be considered negligent. Pursuing someone in this manner potentially endangered the pedestrian and others, breaching a duty to act in a way that prioritizes safety on the road.
Second, Ruelas’s decision to leave the accident scene constitutes hit-and-run behavior, a clear violation of California law requiring drivers to stop and render aid following a collision. This failure to fulfill his legal obligations may be considered negligent and could result in criminal and civil consequences.
Finally, authorities determined that alcohol impairment contributed to the crash. Driving under the influence violates a driver’s duty of care to operate their vehicle responsibly and places others at risk of harm. This breach of duty leaves Ruelas vulnerable to criminal charges and civil claims related to the incident.
Personal Injury Claims: Graham may have grounds for a personal injury claim against Ruelas and the other passenger. The pursuit and subsequent collision caused Graham to suffer moderate injuries, likely resulting in medical expenses, pain and suffering, and potential lost wages.
I wish Pat Graham a swift recovery. My thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.
Source: Lassen County Times